SSDI Denial & Appeal Guide for Greensboro, Texas

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters for Greensboro Residents

If you live in or around Greensboro, Texas and your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application was denied, you are not alone. Rural Texans often face unique hurdles, from limited access to specialists who can document impairments to the need to travel long distances for hearings. According to Social Security Administration (SSA) data for fiscal year 2023, nearly two-thirds of initial SSDI claims nationwide were denied. Fortunately, federal law gives every claimant the right to appeal.

This guide explains—step by step—how Greensboro claimants can fight an SSDI denial, what federal regulations apply, which local resources are available, and when consulting a Greensboro disability attorney can make the difference. We rely exclusively on authoritative sources, including the Social Security Act, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and SSA policy statements. No speculation—just facts you can use.

1. Understanding Your SSDI Rights

1.1 What SSDI Provides

SSDI pays monthly cash benefits to workers who have paid into the Social Security system and who can no longer engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, as defined in 20 CFR 404.1505.

1.2 The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation

SSA uses a stringent, five-step test (see 20 CFR 404.1520):

• Are you performing SGA?
• Is your condition severe? Does it meet or equal a Listing in SSA’s Blue Book?- Can you perform past relevant work?
• Can you adjust to other work in the national economy?

You have the right to challenge SSA’s findings at each step.

1.3 The Statutory Basis

Your core rights come from Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act, which defines “disability,” and Section 205(b), which guarantees the right to a hearing and decision “based on evidence adduced at the hearing.” These federal protections apply equally to Greensboro residents, regardless of SSA field-office location.

2. Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why claims fail is the first step toward a successful appeal.

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – SSA may conclude your records don’t prove a severe impairment. Missing imaging studies or specialist opinions are frequent culprits.
• Earnings Above SGA – If your monthly earnings exceed the SGA limit ( $1,550 for non-blind claimants in 2024, per SSA), your claim is denied at Step 1.
• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment – Under 20 CFR 404.1530, noncompliance without good cause can sink a claim.
• Prior Denials Not Addressed – Re-filing rather than appealing forfeits your earlier protective filing date and may invite duplicate denial language.
• Duration Requirement – The impairment must last (or be expected to last) 12 consecutive months; acute injuries often fail initially.

A slight bias to the claimant: Many denials stem from administrative oversights, not from a lack of disability. Ensuring your full medical file reaches SSA can reverse an adverse determination.

3. Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

3.1 Appeals Deadlines

Under 20 CFR 404.909(a)(1), you have 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter (SSA presumes five additional mailing days) to request reconsideration. Subsequent deadlines are identical at each appeal level (404.933 for hearings, 404.968 for Appeals Council review).

3.2 Evidence Rules

SSA must consider all “material evidence,” including new evidence submitted at least five business days before a hearing (20 CFR 405.331), or show good cause for late submission (404.935).

3.3 Right to Representation

You may appoint an attorney—or qualified non-attorney—to represent you (20 CFR 404.1705). In Texas, lawyers must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing. Representative fees are normally capped by SSA at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is lower, per 20 CFR 404.1728.

3.4 Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies review, you may file a civil action in U.S. District Court within 60 days (42 U.S.C. §405(g)). For Greensboro residents, that court is the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Waco Division.

4. Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

4.1 Request Reconsideration

Use SSA-561 and SSA-3441 forms. Attach updated medical records from Baylor Scott & White – College Station or other facilities serving Greensboro. Track delivery to SSA.

4.2 Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If reconsideration fails (average processing time in Texas: ~6 months), file Form HA-501. Your hearing will likely be assigned to the Houston-North or Dallas ODAR, but you can request video or telephone options if distance to Houston exceeds 75 miles.

4.3 Prepare Thoroughly

• Medical Evidence: Secure narrative letters from treating physicians detailing functional limitations using SSA’s residual functional capacity criteria.
• Vocational Evidence: Compile job descriptions, exertional requirements, and witness statements.
• Consultative Exams (CEs): Attend any CE scheduled by SSA; failure to appear can result in dismissal under 20 CFR 404.1518.

4.4 Appeals Council & Federal Court

If the ALJ rules against you, submit Form HA-520. Cite specific errors—such as ignoring Social Security Ruling (SSR) 16-3p on symptom evaluation. Unrepresented claimants win Appeals Council remands in roughly 13% of cases; representation raises that rate, according to SSA public data (2022).

5. When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Complex Cases: Multiple impairments, rare disorders, or borderline age categories (e.g., age 49 turning 50) often benefit from vocational expert cross-examination—best handled by counsel.

Prior Work History Issues: Disputes about whether past employment was “substantial” under 20 CFR 404.1572.

Adverse Medical Opinions: If an SSA medical consultant opines you can do medium work, an attorney can obtain detailed functional capacity evaluations to rebut.

Hiring a Greensboro disability attorney early preserves the protective filing date and maximizes back pay.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps

6.1 Nearest SSA Field Office

Bryan Social Security Office 4118 S Texas Ave, Bryan, TX 77802 Phone: 1-866-568-9428 Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 AM-4 PM; Wed 9 AM-12 PMAlways schedule an appointment to reduce wait times.

6.2 Vocational & Medical Providers Near Greensboro

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station (neurology, orthopedics).
• CHI St. Joseph Health Rehabilitation – Caldwell (physical & occupational therapy).
• Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley – Can provide labor-market information used to rebut SSA vocational findings.

6.3 Community Advocates

Texas Health and Human Services’ Independent Living Services program (1-512-424-6500) offers assistance with transportation to medical appointments or hearings.

7. Checklist: Protecting Your SSDI Appeal

• Mark your 60-day deadline from the denial notice.
• Obtain complete medical records (chart notes, imaging, lab results).
• File Form SSA-561 and SSA-3441; request confirmation of receipt.
• Keep a disability journal documenting symptoms and functional limits.
• Contact a licensed Texas SSDI attorney if the process feels overwhelming.

Conclusion

A denial is not the end of your claim. Federal regulations, from 20 CFR 404.909 to 404.981, give Greensboro residents a structured path to fight back—and many claimants ultimately win benefits on appeal.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Texas attorney regarding your specific situation.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.

Authoritative Resources

SSA: How to Appeal a Decision20 CFR 404.909 – ReconsiderationSSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)Social Security Act (Sections 205 & 223)